The quality of being alive in his environment, with people around him, to the mood of a situation or scene marks every page of [Mr. Hanson's] work. It makes his poetry tangible, clear cut, full of presence.

[Mr. Hanson] is not one of those mystics who hugs himself for joy while uttering hymns to the creator. His poetry has bite and a harsh edge that come from a non-romantic approach to what he sees and experiences….

He is open-eyed but not superior or patronizing. The pulse of life is enough for him….

["The Distance Anywhere" is a] vigorous, hearty book, the work of a man fully engaged with the world and with God's creatures it it. (p. 29)